Growing criticism of data centers due to high water consumption:
A recent investigation by Business Insider (published on June 24, 2025) reveals that approximately 40% of data centers in the U.S. are located in areas experiencing high or extreme water stress. These facilities use millions of gallons daily of potable water for cooling, adding extra pressure to already strained systems like the Colorado River basin.
(businessinsider.com)
Updated U.S. water usage statistics:
According to the latest U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) report, the average total water consumption in the U.S. is approximately 322 billion gallons per day (~1.22 trillion liters per day), a figure that has remained relatively stable since 2015.
(neefusa.org, usgs.gov)
